KUALA LUMPUR (July 1): PLS Plantations Bhd has appointed Lee Hun Kheng as its group chief executive officer (CEO) effective July 1 while retaining his role as its executive director.

In a statement to the bourse on Friday (July 1), the group said Lee will remain CEO of Aramijaya Agri & Agro Sdn Bhd, a company that has been involved in developing innovative supply chain and forest management processes to create high quality sustainable forest products and services since 2002.

PLS Plantations chairman Tan Sri Nazir Razak said Lee’s role as CEO of Aramijaya, the group’s forest plantation subsidiary, and his 19 years of experience in the upstream and downstream sectors of the plantation industry will be critical in helping PLS Plantations navigate the complex industry and dynamic environment, as the group transforms itself into Malaysia’s leading sustainable agrifood company.

“Lee’s appointment is part of the group’s efforts to strengthen our senior management bench as the group diversifies into commercial durian planting alongside cash crops and forest plantation,” he said.

Nazir said PLS Plantations’ diversification is aligned with the nation’s food sufficiency efforts.

Prior to his appointment as CEO at Aramijaya, Lee was the marketing manager, responsible for increasing the product line offerings, through setting up new accounts of timber products and establishing the research and development projects on plantations.

He is also a member of the Incorporated Society of Planters, a society established to develop and advance the professional interests of members within the plantation industry.